Editor’s note: the following progressive calendar for San Diego County has been briefly edited to update the text.

By Doug Porter

Combover Caligula is on a road trip to a bunch of countries, some of which are populated by brown people. The trip marks the first time since taking office that he has spent a night away from the White House at a property that doesn’t bear his name.

According to the Associated Press, his (well done with ketchup) steak dinner in Saudi Arabia will been butchered in a Shariah-compliant halal manner as per Islamic custom and served alongside the traditional feast food of lamb and rice.

According to Reuters, briefing materials prepared by National Security Council officials include Trump’s name in “as many paragraphs as we can because he keeps reading if he’s mentioned.”

And then there are the preparations for a NATO summit, as described in Foreign Policy:

“It’s kind of ridiculous how they are preparing to deal with Trump,” said one source briefed extensively on the meeting’s preparations. “It’s like they’re preparing to deal with a child — someone with a short attention span and mood who has no knowledge of NATO, no interest in in-depth policy issues, nothing,” said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “They’re freaking out.”

In the meantime, efforts are ongoing to implement the Republican agenda as quickly as possible. Even party stalwarts are fearful the administration will self-destruct over the summer.

There’s bad news coming on health care–where the House will likely have to vote again thanks to procedural errors,– education, the environment, and a host of other issues.

Resistance is about persistence and there remains a lot of work to be done.

So what will you do? Check out this week’s Progressive Calendar listings below. Following those listings are upcoming events of national importance, along with opportunities for organizational involvement and a few reading suggestions.

May 20

A Story of Resilience

Join KARAMA, ADC San Diego, BDS San Diego, Jewish Voice for Peace-SD, Middle Eastern Rights Association, Palestinian Youth Movement-SD and PAWA-SD as they commemorate 69 years of Al Nakba with a dinner and program.

North County Climate Change Alliance Monthly Meeting

Saturday, May 20, 1pmCity of Carlsbad Harding Community Center3096 Harding StreetFor More Information

Networking opportunity for groups and individuals concerned about climate change.

San Diego Ukrainian Rally in Solidarity with DC

We are gathering in downtown San Diego in solidarity with Ukrainian Freedom March in Washington, D.C. Not everyone is able to travel to DC from California, but anyone can come and show their support locally. We will wear Ukrainian vyshyvanky and other patriotic shirts, sing Ukrainian songs and anthem, bring posters and Ukrainian flags and will be raising awareness that the bloody conflict in Eastern Ukraine is far from being over. The event will be videotaped and shared with media in Ukraine and locally.

San Diego Indivisible (Downtown) General Meeting

San Diego Indivisible Downtown (SDID) would love to see you at our fourth monthly meeting, at The Loading Dock in Little Italy! (The venue formerly known as 98 Bottles.)

Especially if you are NEW to Indivisible, we invite you to come at 1:30 to share why you are interested, and find out more about our group, and socialize with our members. Our more formal part of the meeting will begin at 2:00.

We Want YOU For The Resistance

It will be a Family Picnic and Protest and the theme will be FIGHTING CORRUPTION, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST and JUSTICE. We are going to be like a dog with a bone on this one. We are also making an Important Ask of our members, Please bring two people who are not members to this Rally. Also bring the kids, the dog, the llama, just show up and bring your own food and chairs and maybe some shade. We need all members who also belong to sister groups to put the word out and join us. So if the world is not blown to bits by the tweeting clown in the White House before May 21st, Please Join Us. Temecula Rise and Resist!

May 22

District 2 – San Diego County Budget Forum

Is the County of San Diego using its budget of $5.4 billion wisely? We need a budget that improves San Diego’s economy by investing in families and our community. Come join your neighbors to discuss what our community needs.

San Diego County has $1.9 BILLION in cash sitting_ in the bank, 3 TIMES more than financial experts recommend.

Open Flame: Stories from the Transgender Community

Inspired by our mainstage production of Ballast, this Open Flame event will focus on giving those who identify as members of the transgender community an opportunity to share their stories. Whether what you want to share involves your identity, transition, or your perspective on the world, we want to hear your story!

Open Flame is a free storytelling event presented as a part of Diversionary Theatre’s Open Monday series. It’s a chance for our community to gather around the proverbial campfire and spin stories inspired by a unique theme at each event. Come to listen or come ready to share a story of your own.

From the political to personal, all stories from the trans community are welcome. The only guidelines are that your story will be capped at six minutes and should have a beginning, a middle, and an end.

NO to $5 Million Special Election w/o Safe Spaces 4 Unsheltered

Mayor Kevin Failconer’s Office will provide an Informational Update to our City Council on the Mayor’s Proposed $5 Million Special Election this November for a 2/3’s Vote to expand the Convention Ctr at a cost of $600 Million, with a token $10 Million per year for Homeless Services. The Council will decide in June whether to place a Ballot Measure on a Special Election Ballot this November.

We MUST keep Showing Up to tell the Council: NO to $5 Million Special Election w/o Safe Spaces for Unsheltered San Diegans!

City Council Meeting starts at 2p, but arrive early to go through security, sign up to speak or cede time to a designated speaker, and grab a seat.

Sips & Civility: Taking Meaningful Political Action

Join the League of Women Voters at the San Diego Central Library to meet like-minded individuals, learn how to get involved in meaningful grassroots political efforts, and discuss how we can encourage civility in local politics.

Our keynote speaker will be Joe McGovern, creator of the documentary The Other Side: A Liberal Democrat Explores Conservative America. Joe is a former teacher, vice principal, social worker, pro soccer player, and wilderness therapy guide who now makes his living acting and teaching in Los Angeles. Joe is a progressive liberal democrat who has always been interested in politics, but who recently grew tired of the extreme political partisanship in America today. He created The Other Side to see if he could find another way – a better way – to talk to those he disagrees with. Learn more at: http://theothersidedocumentary.com/

As always, beer, wine, and snacks will be provided. Free 2-hour parking is available underneath the library with validation. Must be 21+ with a valid ID to enjoy beer and wine. Find us on the 9th floor; Shiley Events Suite.

Digital Gym on the Blvd: “Citizen Jane: Battle for the City”

After work placemaking gathering & talk with placemakers from the El Cajon Boulevard BIA, City Heights Coffee House, Urban Collaborative Project, and more! The Digital Gym on the Blvd is an on-going film series highlighting films that speak directly to issues affecting San Diego residents. Each screening will feature a guest speaker and discussion opportunities. Presented by the NEA.

Citizen Jane is a timely tale of what can happen when engaged citizens fight the power for the sake of a better world. Arguably no one did more to shape our understanding of the modern American city than Jane Jacobs, the visionary activist and writer who fought to preserve urban communities in the face of destructive development projects. Director Matt Tyranuer (Valentino: The Last Emperor) vividly brings to life Jacobs’ 1960s showdown with ruthless construction kingpin Robert Moses over his plan to raze lower Manhattan to make way for a highway, a dramatic struggle over the very soul of the neighborhood.

The Art of Resilience: Overcoming the Dream

Tuesday, May 23, 5:30pmGrossmont College880 Grossmont Boulevard (El Cajon)For More InformationHosted by Grossmont College Dream Center and Dreamers MovementThis will be an opportunity for campus faculty, staff and the general community to show their support for our undocumented students on campus and celebrate their resiliency. The event will consist of a Silent Art Auction, Spoken word, Music, Danza, and more. The purpose of this event is to provide a safe place for undocumented/AB540/DACA students where they can use their own voice and share their authentic stories. Moreover, all the funds collected will go towards supporting Dream Center Students. Feel free to invite your co-workers and loved ones.

ASA Monthly Chapter MeetingPolitical Awareness Featuring Lori Saldaña

Next in our Spring series on political awareness, please help us welcome former State Assembly Member and grassroots community organizer, Lori Saldaña. Lori will take us through hosting fundraisers, how we can draw affluent people to our cause and fund the political change we all need in San Diego.

HRC Connect: Honoring Older Americans Month

Every month HRC San Diego hosts a social for networking and exploring topics of interest to the LGBTQ community. Join us for happy hour and taco tuesday eats and learn more from two San Diego based organizations supporting LGBTQ seniors and business professionals serving our older adult population. Special guests include Kevin Hannahoe of the Greater San Diego Business Association and Larue Fields of the San Diego LGBT Community Center.

Immigration in Our Community

Tuesday, May 23, 6:30pmNorth Inland Live Well Center, Conference Room B649 West Mission Avenue (Escondido)Hosted by Escondido Chamber of Citizens and Escondido Indivisible

An educational panel on what we all need to know and how we can help, featuring Katia Hansen, J.D. President & CEO, UURISE, Cassie Purdy, Community Organizer, ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties, Bill Flores, Retired Assistant San Diego County Sheriff

Issa Resistance Rally

Tuesday, May 23, 10am1800 Thibodo Road (Vista)

We are making a difference! Issa is feeling the heat. Let’s do this!

Uptown Democratic Club‘Fake News’ Forum

Attorney and award-winning investigative journalist John Mattes will be our guest speaker. John has conducted an investigation into how a local Bernie Sanders support Facebook group was targeted by Russian propagandists delivering “fake news” detrimental to Hillary Clinton. The goal was to disenfranchise Bernie Sanders supporters so that they would not vote for Clinton. This fascinating story was featured on the Rachel Maddow show, in the Huffington Post and several other publications. Don’t miss an opportunity to hear this captivating presentation!

John Mattes is the founder of Investigativeguy.com and has exposed numerous scams which have been shut down by law enforcement. John has won 5 Emmys, an Edward R. Murrow Award, and a Golden Mike.

May 24

Future of Transportation – San Diego

The Future of Transportation Forum explores how technology, culture, and human behavior will change the way we travel from place to place in the San Diego region and beyond. Each panelist will provide a perspective on active transportation, technology advances, ride share, and transportation planning. Following the presentations, a moderator will engage the panelists with questions from the audience to facilitate a public dialogue.

Panelists: Ray Traynor (SANDAG), speaking on technological innovations for transportation, Angus Clark (HULA Car), speaking on the application of Electric Vehicles and Autonomous Vehicles in the car share industry and beyond, Kathy Keehan (San Diego County Bicycle Coalition), speaking on bicycles as part of the matrix of transportation options, Dana Hook (CDM Smith), speaking on the future of transportation infrastructure, Kathleen Ferrier, Circulate San Diego’s Director of Advocacy, will serve as the moderator

Speakers Training for SB 562The Healthy California Act

This is a free informational session and training for anyone committed to advocating for SB 562, Health Care for All Californians. Being an advocate may involve simply talking to neighbors and co-workers, or it could involve speaking at your community organizations and town halls. We are limited to 50 participants, so please RSVP

This event will be lead by Kathy Rallings, a 10-year veteran advocate for universal health care, who works for the California Teachers Association, one of 150 professional organizations endorsing Healthy California. Food and beverages will be provided by the Campaign for a Healthy CA.

Community Dialogue on Transborder Education w/ Borderclick

A series of three community dialogues considering the point of view of transborder students who live and study between Tijuana and San Diego. Educators, administrators, students, parents and the public are invited to join us for the first conversation around Transborder Education as we explore their photographs and videos as a point of departure for the following questions: What are the challenges transborder students face on a daily basis? How can we create stronger support systems? Why is the transborder student important to the future of our communities?

May 25

No Nuke Dump on the Beach Presentation in Encinitas

Ray Lutz will make an informational (and surprisingly humorous) presentation on the proposal to build a nuclear waste facility on the beach at San Onofre, only 100 ft from the water and inches over the high water mark.

22nd Annual All-People’s Recognition Ceremony

The All-People’s recognition ceremony is an annual event recognizing community efforts by affiliate organizations, social justice leadership academy, volunteers, and graduating students. Included in the ceremony this year is the awarding of the Breaking Barriers Scholarship, recognizing Doctor Luz Chung our 2016-17 faculty-in-residence, and featuring a keynote by alumni Enrique Soto.

Join us for food, fun, and a photobooth. To properly estimate for food and reception, please RSVP.

East La Interchange: Documentary Film Screening & Discussion

Please join us for a special screening of award-winning documentary East LA Interchange. Exploring the shifting face of community in the United States, East LA Interchange tells the story of working-class, immigrant Boyle Heights, the oldest neighborhood in East Los Angeles.

Following the screening will be a discussion with esteemed guest, East LA Interchange film director, Betsy Kalin. Light refreshments will be provided following the screening.

May 27

Beyond Borders and Walls

This public symposium explores the impact of border walls and mobility restrictions on communities, societies and the environment around the world. It features panel discussions with leading border studies scholars and local community organizations, and ends with a closing reception for the photography exhibition, Up Against the Wall.

Resistance Volunteers Meeting at Border X Brewing

Join us for a casual meeting where we can share concerns and ideas to resist the current administration. We should all be concerned with what is coming out of Washington D.C. right now and we need to come together and share those concerns.

We must also look for ways to counteract and resist what is happening. Issues of concern: the Border Wall, the Muslim Ban, the Russian interference / investigation, the conflicts of interest issues, the unfair treatment of Native Americans and other minorities, there are lots of topics to discuss and hopefully everyone who is passionate about these topics can take an hour and stop by to meet others with the same passion.

Government 101 and Beyond. (We must get educated and fast!)

Key workshop points: Learn about federal, state and local government organization, which levels to contact, and how to most effectively influence decision makers at each level. Let’s get educated and re-educated about how our government works and how best to have our voices heard in these crazy times.

Michael Byron has a Ph.D. in Political Science from UC, Irvine. He teaches all aspects of Political Science and Political Economy in local colleges in San Diego. He also ran against Darrell Issa in the 49th Congressional District. Mike lives in Oceanside, CA with his wife Ramona. We feel fortunate to have him teaching!

May 28

Guard B-Q: Shove it in Your Mouth!

On the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend: a fundraiser you can really sink your teeth into! The Guards of The San Diego Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will be staffing the grill over at The Loft to prepare great grilled goodies, all to benefit The San Diego Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, Vegan Burgers, and Chicken Kabobs: all at $5.00 each. Or, try our “meatier” selections: a Guard Double Burger, the foot-long “Isaac Weiner,” or the extra special “Greek Active Zilla Cock-Bob” for only $7.00. Many surprises . . . and, yes, the Sisters will be there! It will be a blast!

May 29

Disarm Hate: A Musical Response to Gun Violence

The San Diego Pro Arte Voices performs newly-commissioned works written in response to the gun violence epidemic in the U.S. Members of the Brady Campaign and local officals will be guest speakers in between pieces.

Oceanside City Council District Public Hearing

On May 3, 2017, the Oceanside City Council adopted a resolution to begin the process to transition to district elections. Boundary lines for districts will be drawn and adopted in a public and transparent process. The City will hold four public hearings before the City Council and five community meetings over the next ninety days. It is anticipated that beginning November 6, 2018, City Council members will be elected “by district” instead of from across the city. This means that those who run for City Council will need to live in the district where they seek election. The Mayor’s seat will continue to be elected at-large and will not occur until the 2020 election.

Creative Action: Artist And Community Dialogue Workshop #2

At our first workshop in December we were able to divide/discuss & dissect our current political fears and start thinking of exploring those fears creatively with the help of Community-Based Theatre tools. At this second workshop we’re going to start implementing our ideas and locking down ways to produce several activist art installations in 2017 & 2018.

At this second workshop you can expect:

-A handful of performance-based activities for release and connection.-Break-out sessions with local artists to help develop ideas.-Actual planning and implementation of activist art!

Public Hearing: District Boundary Election Maps (Vista)

Tuesday, May 30, 6pmCity of Vista200 Civic Center Dr

Vista Civic Center to review proposed boundary maps for district elections. The public can draw a map – submit it at DrawVista.org. More information: CityofVista.com.

Climate Chat: Can California Lead the Way on Climate Change?

Diane Takvorian will be the speaker for this interesting discussion on California’s ambitious Climate Action Plan, carbon pricing, and environmental justice.

Diane is a member of the CA Air Resources Board (ARB) as well as Executive Director of the Environmental Health Coalition (EHC). Under her leadership, EHC has been a leader in advocating environmental justice in San Diego.

Participants will learn about CA’s Climate Action Plan and ARB’s proposed update, which is designed to reduce California’s GHG emissions by 50% by 2030. Diane will explain the benefits of carbon pricing and evaluate the current cap and trade program. She will highlight equitable solutions for renewable energy and transit that benefit all communities.

Issa Town Hall (Maybe!)

Wednesday, May 31,7pmLocation Hasn’t Been Announced, But Save the Date

Darrell Issa timeline:
2/24: wants special prosecutor
2/27: backtracks
5/16: flicks off reporter
5/18: lies, says he was for it all along

Intersectional Resistance in the 9-5 Life: CGS at Digital Gym

How do you take your intersectional resistance frameworks into your 9-5pm life/workplace?

We have a panel of former Critical Gender Studies scholars who are now working in multiple fields who will share their experiences and learnings about what it means to work through an intersectional framework in various work environments, when sometimes the work place might work directly against them!

*Ezak Marquez, Clinical Counseling Graduate Student

*Hyejin Shim, based in the Bay Area and currently works as a queer/trans survivor advocate at Asian Women’s Shelter, which is dedicated to supporting survivors from immigrant and refugee communities. She is a founding member and organizer of the queer/trans workgroup (QYUL) in KACEDA (Korean American Coalition to End Domestic Abuse), and is also a co-founder/organizer of Survived and Punished, a group organizing against the criminalization of gender violence survivors.

*Sam Jung, queer son of immigrant Korean parents, and former community youth organizer who recently graduated from the urban studies and planning department at MIT. Sam completed a CGS thesis examining the abjection of asian american men from US society based on their failure to perform up to standards of white heteronormative masculinity. Sam is also an aquarius with a libra moon sign.

Other Stuff to Do

Join the ACLU’s People Power: People Power is, at its core, a grassroots member-mobilization project. Through People Power, the ACLU will engage volunteers across the country to take action when Trump or his administration attempt to enact unconstitutional policies or trample on people’s constitutional rights. By mobilizing in defense of our civil liberties, volunteers will build local communities that affirm our American values of respect, equality, and solidarity.

Sign Up For SwingLeft: Control of the House in 2018 will be decided by a handful of Swing Districts, places where the last election was decided by a thin margin. Find your closest Swing District and join its team to learn about actionable opportunities to support progressives—and defeat Republicans—in that district, no matter where you live. Check out SwingLeft here.

Sign Up for Indivisible. Over 60 groups locally, 8000+ nationally. All the cool kids are doing it. (Really!)

San Diego Democratic Party Calendar Includes business meetings, chartered club meetings, voter registration events, election information, holidays, and other events of interest to Democrats.

Keep in Touch!

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